What time does the TTC/MK car park open? (Crystal Palace ADR)

[Ariel1986]

First of all hello WDWMagic! Been lurking for about 5 months and you've helped me through till my Disney holiday starting in 6 days!! I've been to Disney World a total of 7 times (1998-2012) but I've learnt so much from this site and soooo many things I didn't know existed!

So me and my other half will be in Orlando on the 7th April till the 28th (yep 3 weeks! We're from the UK!) and have 2 nights booked at AoA, 14 nights at POFQ and then 5 nights off-site (well, on Hotel Plaza Blvd so not too far off site!) and I can't WAIT!!! We have the DDP (was free) and have 8 ADR's booked (one signature) and are going to then go with the flow for the other 5 (I know that might send some of you over the edge, lol! But we're going to see how it goes. I wanted some flexibilty!)

ANYHOO, on to the question of this post.
We have an 8.10am ADR at Crystal Palace booked on the 10th April. The opening for MK on this day is 9am- I've never done this before and have read different things about getting there. I know the buses will run early and I could catch one of these (how true is it though that you have to 'request' an early bus at the reception of your hotel?)- but we will have a car also so had been thinking about driving (easier to just get up and jump in the car). However, I have read differing reports on here about what time the TTC opens? Is it an hour before the park opens? (Therefore too late for our ADR?)
Also I'm slightly confused (even though I've been 7 times before; I was either a child or a non-driving adult) about the TTC- is that the car park by the ferry and monorail for MK?

So basically I just want to ask whether it would be possible to drive to the TTC/MK car park about 7.15am, get a ferry/monorail and be at the gates for about 7.30/45am and have a little bit of time in a fairly empty park for photos before checking in for our 8.10am ADR? Or would it just be easier to get a bus from POFQ? (I'm just worried about them not turning up!).

Ok well I hope that all made sense!

Thanks for any info!

 

[bsiev1977]

First of all hello WDWMagic! Been lurking for about 5 months and you've helped me through till my Disney holiday starting in 6 days!! I've been to Disney World a total of 7 times (1998-2012) but I've learnt so much from this site and soooo many things I didn't know existed!

So me and my other half will be in Orlando on the 7th April till the 28th (yep 3 weeks! We're from the UK!) and have 2 nights booked at AoA, 14 nights at POFQ and then 5 nights off-site (well, on Hotel Plaza Blvd so not too far off site!) and I can't WAIT!!! We have the DDP (was free) and have 8 ADR's booked (one signature) and are going to then go with the flow for the other 5 (I know that might send some of you over the edge, lol! But we're going to see how it goes. I wanted some flexibilty!)

ANYHOO, on to the question of this post.
We have an 8.10am ADR at Crystal Palace booked on the 10th April. The opening for MK on this day is 9am- I've never done this before and have read different things about getting there. I know the buses will run early and I could catch one of these (how true is it though that you have to 'request' an early bus at the reception of your hotel?)- but we will have a car also so had been thinking about driving (easier to just get up and jump in the car). However, I have read differing reports on here about what time the TTC opens? Is it an hour before the park opens? (Therefore too late for our ADR?)
Also I'm slightly confused (even though I've been 7 times before; I was either a child or a non-driving adult) about the TTC- is that the car park by the ferry and monorail for MK?

So basically I just want to ask whether it would be possible to drive to the TTC/MK car park about 7.15am, get a ferry/monorail and be at the gates for about 7.30/45am and have a little bit of time in a fairly empty park for photos before checking in for our 8.10am ADR? Or would it just be easier to get a bus from POFQ? (I'm just worried about them not turning up!).

Ok well I hope that all made sense!

Thanks for any info!

Yes, the TTC is the parking lot by the monorail and ferry for MK.
If I remember correctly, the TTC lot opens 2 hours prior to the listed opening for MK on a given day.
Your plan is definitely doable.

 

[Ariel1986]

Thank you!
I know I can ask at POFQ before the morning of our ADR I guess, I just wanted to ask here as it's full of people who have been there/done that!
And also I'm a bit OCD in needing to plan/know how the plan is set in some way before the actual day!

 

[bsiev1977]

Thank you!
I know I can ask at POFQ before the morning of our ADR I guess, I just wanted to ask here as it's full of people who have been there/done that!
And also I'm a bit OCD in needing to plan/know how the plan is set in some way before the actual day!

don't quote me on the 2 hours. I've seen other posts that say it might be safer to take the bus up to MK.
I'd like to know this info for sure myself. I plan to do the same thing you are doing, but in December.
I'm staying at AoA, and want to get an early rez at CP so I can get in early on a non EMH day.

 

[Ariel1986]

I guess the best thing will be to ask when there, and to be honest I can see myself going with the bus as it seems more certain... but I still want to hear from people who have done it or have received the info on-site! And yes I booked this after learning of being able to be in the park before opening on a non EMH day! Good luck with your rez when you can make it!

 

[bsiev1977]

I guess the best thing will be to ask when there, and to be honest I can see myself going with the bus as it seems more certain... but I still want to hear from people who have done it or have received the info on-site! And yes I booked this after learning of being able to be in the park before opening on a non EMH day! Good luck with your rez when you can make it!

Thanks. I just double checked my Unofficial Guide, and it says that the TTC lot opens about two hours before MK opens.
The advantage to the bus is it goes right to the park. You don't have to wait for a monorail or ferry.
I shouldn't have any problem with my rezzes, I'm going solo on my upcoming trip.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

You could park over at one of the resorts. All you have to do is say you want to look around the resort. I'd say try to park over at Contemporary and walk over. This would solve your problem completely.

Buses begin running an hour before park opening, so driving is a good idea.

My record trip is 19 days. So you're not crazy Although it wasn't our intention for it to be 19 days. Something about a hurricane back home delayed us in getting back. If you're coming all of the way from the UK, you may as well stay for as long as possible.

 

[Ariel1986]

Ooh I'd never thought about going to a resort and walking from there... another possibility! Hmm planning options may go into overdrive now lol! And yes after travelling from the UK and the cost of flights, staying as long as possible is how I look at it! I'm actually already in Florida as me and my other half decided to take all our holiday allowance at once together and take a long holiday- with a week at the beach in Indian Shores included! Believe me it was verrry hard today after arriving driving past all the exit signs for Disney World!!
But I know I'll be there soon!!

 

[bsiev1977]

Ooh I'd never thought about going to a resort and walking from there... another possibility! Hmm planning options may go into overdrive now lol! And yes after travelling from the UK and the cost of flights, staying as long as possible is how I look at it! I'm actually already in Florida as me and my other half decided to take all our holiday allowance at once together and take a long holiday- with a week at the beach in Indian Shores included! Believe me it was verrry hard today after arriving driving past all the exit signs for Disney World!!
But I know I'll be there soon!!

I think it's just about a ten minute walk from the Contemporary to MK. I'm thinking about doing this now myself.

 

[englanddg]

Ooh I'd never thought about going to a resort and walking from there... another possibility! Hmm planning options may go into overdrive now lol! And yes after travelling from the UK and the cost of flights, staying as long as possible is how I look at it! I'm actually already in Florida as me and my other half decided to take all our holiday allowance at once together and take a long holiday- with a week at the beach in Indian Shores included! Believe me it was verrry hard today after arriving driving past all the exit signs for Disney World!!
But I know I'll be there soon!!

"Technically" you are supposed to either be a guest of the resort OR attending one of the resort amenities (like eating at Chef Mickeys) to get through the gates.

 

[Gabe1]

You could park over at one of the resorts. All you have to do is say you want to look around the resort. I'd say try to park over at Contemporary and walk over. This would solve your problem completely.

Buses begin running an hour before park opening, so driving is a good idea.

My record trip is 19 days. So you're not crazy Although it wasn't our intention for it to be 19 days. Something about a hurricane back home delayed us in getting back. If you're coming all of the way from the UK, you may as well stay for as long as possible.

Eeek, double check that, when we went to the Contemporary, we had to have ADRs there, and security did check, to park unless something changed.

 

[Ariel1986]

Thanks for the inputs guys, think I will maybe stick with the bus as seems the safest option right now... if anyone's driven in early like I was planning though I'd like to hear from you!

Thanks for my first like @Mrsdonaldduck

 

[princessmommy]

Thanks for the inputs guys, think I will maybe stick with the bus as seems the safest option right now... if anyone's driven in early like I was planning though I'd like to hear from you!

Thanks for my first like @Mrsdonaldduck

I think that is your best bet!

Since you are from the UK, I have to ask (and forgive me for being cliche) if you are planning to have high tea at the grand Floridian? I would love hear if it is similar to the real thingI love.it but have nothing to compare it to...

 

[bethymouse]

The CMs should direct you to where you need to go for your breakfast reservation. Just show them your confirmation number. If it's @ MK, then they will direct you to the correct transportation to get there. So... parking @ the TTC should be fine. Enjoy!

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

Thanks for the inputs guys, think I will maybe stick with the bus as seems the safest option right now... if anyone's driven in early like I was planning though I'd like to hear from you!

Thanks for my first like @Mrsdonaldduck

I am honored!!! welcome to wdwmagic

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Eeek, double check that, when we went to the Contemporary, we had to have ADRs there, and security did check, to park unless something changed.

That's odd. Our friends park at the resort all the time.

 

[KappleB2]

We had ressies at Kona at 7:50 when MK opened at 9am and we were one of the first like 5 cars at the TTC. So getting in there would not be a problem, but we didn't ride the monorail or ferry to MK. I don't know how those run that early.

 

[Ariel1986]

Thanks for all the extra info guys! I think I will ask when I check in at POFQ/Guest Relations in Downtown Disney to confirm bus times and ferry/monorail openings etc.. Still can't decide lol!

@princessmommy I hadn't planned to no, tend to lean towards doing/eating things I can't at home (never eat in UK pavilion at Epcot, seems a waste!) -tho it would be interesting to see how the tea and cakes are in comparison!

 

[luv]

I have done many, many 8:05 breakfasts at the Crystal Palace and almost all of them involved parking at the TTC. I, too, have heard people say, "It opens late and you might not make it!" I don't think they are lying, but I have NEVER found that to be the case.

The Contemporary won't let you in if it is particularly busy or a President is there or something. That has happened to me.

Do keep in mind that if the Crystal Palace isn't on top of their game, you may have to choose between seeing a character (or two) and rope drop. It is very possible for a meal to take an hour or more. It is also very possible for it to take less! But it seems like many people assume they can easily be in and out of there in 45 minutes and it is not always the case. Just a heads-up there!

 

[Ariel1986]

I have done many, many 8:05 breakfasts at the Crystal Palace and almost all of them involved parking at the TTC. I, too, have heard people say, "It opens late and you might not make it!" I don't think they are lying, but I have NEVER found that to be the case.

The Contemporary won't let you in if it is particularly busy or a President is there or something. That has happened to me.

Do keep in mind that if the Crystal Palace isn't on top of their game, you may have to choose between seeing a character (or two) and rope drop. It is very possible for a meal to take an hour or more. It is also very possible for it to take less! But it seems like many people assume they can easily be in and out of there in 45 minutes and it is not always the case. Just a heads-up there!

Thanks I was thinking they must open the TTC earlier for breakfasts etc and had just assumed I'd drive, but I then read people say it only opens an hour before so I'd had to rethink my plans!

And yes I had read about it being slow too but I've booked the ADR more for the early entry into MK than the characters lol! I am looking forward to the food and I do want to get some pics if possible with Tigger and Piglet but if we're waiting around too long we will leave for rope drop!

After just mentioning to my other half what I was writing about on here he said "Oh what a hard life we lead" laughing at the decisions I'm trying to make and it made me think of the "First World Problems" memes, so I made one lol!